WELLINGTON: New Zealand Govt has downgraded its tsunami warning after a powerful earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands region early Friday, sparking fears of a tsunami. The 8.1-magnitude quake was the third to strike the area on Friday morning local time, according to the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency.

Earlier in the day, the National Emergency Management Agency urged locals to move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible and not to stay at home until further message from the authorities, following an 8.1-magnitude earthquake at about 8.30 a.m. near the Kermadec Islands, Xinhua news agency.

Another 7.4-magnitude quake jolted Raoul Island, the largest island of the Kermadec Islands, at 6.41 a.m. Large coastal areas including the north and the east part of the North Island were affected.

It caused "severe" shaking and sparked tsunami warnings, reported GeoNet New Zealand. The quake was defined as "terrifying" and "biggest one" by locals. Jolts were felt throughout much of the country. Trains were halted and lines across eastern parts of the North Island closed ahead of track inspection for possible quake damage.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Instagram: "Hope everyone is ok out there." Last week, New Zealand marked the 10th anniversary of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that destroyed parts of Christchurch, killing 185 people.

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